Accorsi to help Panthers with their GM search

CHARLOTTE (AP) — The Panthers have announced that Ernie Accorsi will serve as a consultant during their search for a new general manager.

Accorsi, 71, has been the GM for the Cleveland Browns and New York Giants and has served as a consultant to other NFL teams in their search for general managers. He serves as chairman of the NFL's General Manager Committee.

Accorsi first met Panthers owner Jerry Richardson when he served as the public relations director for the Baltimore Colts, the team Richardson helped lead to a NFL championship.

“I have a very high regard for Mr. Richardson and look forward to providing any help that I can to him and the organization in their search for a new general manager,” Accorsi said.

Richardson was unavailable for comment.

The Panthers fired long-time general manager Marty Hurney on Oct. 22. Hurney had been with the team since 1998 and been the general manager for nine seasons.

A graduate of Wake Forest, Accorsi served as the general manager of the Browns from 1985-1992 and became the Giants GM in 1998 and was instrumental in the Giants trading for Eli Manning in 2004. Accorsi left the Giants after the 2006 season and the team won a Super Bowl the following season.

Accorsi has also aided several teams in searches for GMs, including helping Atlanta select Thomas Dimitroff from New England in 2008. Dimitroff has helped turn Atlanta into a consistent winner and the Falcons are currently the lone unbeaten team in the NFL.